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Friday, 30 December 2011

One of the benefits of building a partnership is having a successful outcome; the 2012 Heritage Calendar is just that! A collaborative effort between the Fort McMurray Historical Society and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo created a 2012 calendar that displays historic photos of the region. The photos and content were provided by the Historical Society’s archives which are located at Heritage Park.

Thursday, 29 December 2011

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo would like to introduce the Words in Motion program. This program gives residents an opportunity to submit poetry. Selected poetry will be on display inside the public transit buses during the month of April, which is National Poetry Month. The deadline for submissions is February 6, 2012.

Conservation can be a pretty solitary job; there aren’t a lot of us out there. Like any other job, it’s easy to second guess oneself without having someone to bounce ideas off of…. You can’t be an expert at everything.

Public art conservation poses many challenges: new and non-traditional materials are often used, many people can be involved at various stages of making the artwork, it has to stand up to extreme exposure, and the location might not be ideal. All of this is can be out of your control and you are left holding the bag, trying to figure out what to do with it if/when conservation work is required.

With new projects, the Edmonton Arts Council conservator (me) is involved from the proposal stage through design, fabrication and installation, and afterwards for the life of the artwork. Unfortunately, with the majority of artworks in the civic collection I don’t have the benefit of this level of intimate first-hand knowledge. Generally, these are older pieces and I am making assessments of artworks for which I have few files or limited details. So it can be a big relief when an artist is willing and wants to be involved in the conservation of their artwork. This is the case with the recent restoration of The Convergence by Tony Bloom.

The Convergence, a series of painted steel spires and a functioning fountain, has stood at the East end of the Victoria Promenade at the intersection of 117 St/100Ave for over 20 years. Over the years the condition of the artwork has deteriorated. Concrete was in poor shape and old repairs were failing, paint was discolored and hazy, and rust was developing. After making a preliminary condition assessment, I contacted Tony.

In conservation we look to minimal intervention, to try to retain as much of the original material as possible and make our presence invisible, to not impose with our mark or interfere with what the artist is trying to achieve. With this project we considered the age of the artwork and the extent of deterioration while being realistic to its function, materials, design and exposure. In this case some level of refurbishment is an expected process to not only extend the physical lifespan of the art, but also to uphold the artist’s concept. There’s a big difference between aging gracefully and deteriorating with age; and it was agreed that the intention of this conservation campaign was to bring the artwork back to a representation of its original state while honoring its history, function and age with the intention to take care of and maintain it from that point on.

Tony and I met at the sculpture and discussed the work, its current state, and drew up a plan of what needed attention. This was the autumn of 2009. The subsequent hours of research, planning and decision-making went into action when restoration began nearly two years later.

Tony easily invested over 60 hours in the project, which included site visits, consultations, digging for old files, and doing quality checks as the work progressed. He supplied original engin

eer renderings that showed the construction of the fountain, mechanical elements, anchoring and attachment points, and other material specifications.

After looking at options for doing the work in situ, it was decided the best approach was to remove the concrete, extract the painted steel spires, repaint them, and then re-install everything. Among other concerns, the close proximity to high-density residential and pedestrian traffic was an issue for paint removal and repainting--the solvents in industrial grade paints are toxic and you can’t control wind and dust.

The metal spires were removed and taken to Calgary for repainting. We met to inspect the spires and we were happy to see that 1) they arrived safely (most art damage occurs in transit), 2) there was no visible damage or wear that would affect the mechanical function of the fountain, and 3) the portions buried under concrete and soil for 20 years were in very good structural condition…. and the original blue paint was well preserved. This was important for getting an accurate color match for repainting. In addition, we were able to have those areas preserved so that future conservation work (i.e. repainting) would have that as a color reference and paint sample for any analysis.

Through the repainting process, I saw the spires during the priming process and Tony travelled to Calgary a number of times to see paint removal, priming and to sign off on the final painting. It was great to have someone to tag team at this point; if one of us couldn’t be there, the other could.

On a technical note, the only change made to the spires was that an additional primer was added before painting. The addition of a zinc-rich primer beneath the epoxy-based primer was added as extra corrosion protection, especially for the areas of the fountain elements that would be indirect contact with water and submerged beneath the concrete. The bases of the spires mounted in the ground were coated with a bitumen-based waterproofing agent before backfilling, as per the original specifications (if it ain’t broke...).

While we had confidence that the work would be high quality, there’s a level of reassurance when you can see it for yourself. When I was a practicing artist I needed control over everything that was produced. Now as a conservator I feel like I need to have even more control, because I am no longer acting on behalf of my own interests. There are other stakeholders involved, issues of legality and ethics that need to be upheld. The level of accountability to someone else’s art (and the artist, and the owner, and the community that see it everyday) makes it difficult to relinquish any level of control, and for me it was almost unbearable to not be able to physically look over someone’s shoulder to see every pass of the spray gun. I can only assume this is something one gets used to over time. Needless to say, I was happy to see the newly repainted sculpture come back to Edmonton.

The painted spires were re-installed quickly with no surprises. My only regret was that I wasn’t on site when the last one went up — apparently a crowd of onlookers from the community had gathered, and when the final spire went in, they all cheered.

This brings me to another point: Taking care of a public art collection is not something that can be done by one person. The public plays a huge role in preventive conservation: claiming ownership. When an artwork is appreciated in its location and the community embraces it, we know that it will be safe with others helping to watch over it. While applause feels great, more important is the overall awareness or re-realization of the artwork in their space. Ultimately my hope is that caring about art translates into caring for art.

Not everything went completely as planned with this project. The original renderings showed locations and routing of mechanical piping within the concrete base to the fountain spires. When concrete removal began it was quickly noted that this was not accurate. Drainage and overflow valves were not where they were shown, and some components had been left unfinished (for example, a small spout and drain located at the centre of the concrete base was never completed nor functional). Measurements of the base on the renderings did not completely match the as-built product, so adjustments were necessary to accommodate this while ensuring that the base looked cohesive.

The other concern that I had was that I wanted the newly poured concrete to have the same feel and appearance of the old concrete. This is something that only happens with age, it develops a patina. So keeping in mind that its appearance will change as it ages, how it looks now versus how it will look in 7-10 years was a big topic of discussion.

Conservation is often a solitary job, so having these types of conversations with Tony were extremely helpful. This treatment was never about making the artwork perfect, but to get it to a high level of condition, to bring it back to a representation of what he intended while developing an open dialogue with someone that is an expert in his field – and that’s much more interesting than reading a file.

Monday, 26 December 2011

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts
(AFA) has supported a provincial travelling exhibition program since 1981.The
mandate of the AFA Travelling Exhibition Program is to provide every Albertan
with the opportunity to enjoy visual art exhibitions in their community.

Three
regional galleries and one arts organization coordinate the program for the
AFA:

·Abstract
Thinking (an examination of abstraction in the visual arts through artworks
created by five contemporary Edmonton
artists)

·Culture
Crates (investigations in museum architecture and art styles over the past one
hundred years with a focus on the Art Gallery of Alberta, Edmonton;
the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre, Medicine Hat;
and The Prairie Art Gallery/Montrose Cultural Centre, Grande Prairie)

·Wild
Thing! (artworks examining expressions of wild animals with works from the
collection of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts)

The TREX
exhibition ’Our wilderness is wisdom…’ begins traveling Region 2 in January of
2012.

This
exhibition, curated by artist and educator Heather Shillinglaw, examines First Nations
artists’ relationship to the land and stories of the past, present and future.
This exhibition was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Syncrude Canada.

For more
information about TREX, please visit: http://www.youraga.ca/exhibitions/trex/

The Art Gallery of St. Albert (AGSA), a contemporary public art gallery, seeks proposals from artists working in all styles and mediums for exhibition in the 2013 calendar year.

The Gallery’s mandate is to provide enriching educational experiences that celebrate visual culture and artistic achievement through research, exhibition and interpretation.

The Gallery strives to provide an exhibition schedule and corresponding public programs that both support educationally challenging art and appeal to its many audiences. Artworks need to provide vision, inspiration and education for residents of St. Albert and surrounding communities. The exhibition selection reflects originality and a diversity of styles and mediums. The Gallery presents artists who exhibit locally, nationally and internationally. Artwork is adjudicated by a panel of visual art professionals who represent a spectrum of expertise in the visual arts. The artists chosen to exhibit receive CARFAC fees.

Requirements: Artist’s statement (maximum 500 words) Curriculum vitae Contact information (mailing address, phone numbers and an email address) Up to 10 digital images of proposed or recent work on a CD (JPEG format, max. 300 dpi, no visible signatures, no DVD’s). Only video or sound submissions on DVD or CD will be accepted Image list (including title, medium, date and size) Colour copies of all images in submission (1 to 3 images per page on standard photocopy paper) Self addressed, stamped envelope with postage for the submission to be returned if not accepted

NOTE: Submission will only be accepted if the above requirements are met

Additional information: Though group submissions are accepted, the gallery recommends artists also submit as individuals Artists may be selected for either solo exhibitions or group exhibits with compatible artworks. Please clearly indicate if you are submitting for a solo show only Gallery floor plan available on website Deadline for submissions: Saturday, March 3, 2012, 5pm All applicants will be contacted by Saturday, June 2, 2012

Thursday, 22 December 2011

With the December 31 deadline fast approaching, eligible nonprofit and charitable organizations are encouraged to submit their applications for a Community Spirit Program donation grant.

The Community Spirit Program is designed to help increase private charitable donations by individual Albertans to Alberta’s nonprofit and charitable organizations. The program is donor-driven, meaning Albertans decide where they want the funding to go based on where they donate.

Funded through the Alberta Lottery Fund, the grant is available to all eligible nonprofit organizations and Canada Revenue Agency-registered charities incorporated and operating in Alberta for a minimum of one year. Organizations must demonstrate they have received a minimum total of $1,000 in eligible cash donations from individual Albertans before applying for the grant. The maximum grant is $25,000 per year up to a maximum of $50,000 over three years. The grant can be used to support an organization’s operations, programs and/or capital projects.

For 2011, the program budget is $16 million. During the past three years, $52.9 million has been distributed to 5,031 successful applicants. Recipients included library boards, child care groups, arts organizations and recreation leagues, etc. Two components make up the Community Spirit Program: the donation grant and the charitable tax credit (valued at approximately $80 million). Albertans receive a 50 per cent non-refundable tax credit for every dollar donated over $200.

For more information on the program and how to apply for the donation grant, visit www.communityspiritprogram.ca. If you have questions, contact the Community Spirit Program office at 780-644-8604 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access within Alberta).

Wednesday, 21 December 2011

The WGA is
now accepting submissions for the 2012 Alberta Literary Competitions!

BACKGROUND
INFORMATION

The Alberta
Literary Awards were created by the Writers Guild of Alberta in 1982 to
recognize excellence in writing by Alberta
authors. Entries are judged by an independent jury recruited by the WGA.
Submissions are evaluated on originality, creativity, and quality of
writing, as well as appropriate fit within a category.

Prizes of $1500 are awarded in the following categories: (Books published in
2011)

Tuesday, 20 December 2011

MacDonaldIslandPark
is delighted to announce the event and activity lineup for the Craze, Wood
Buffalo’s annual free family-oriented New Year’s Eve extravaganza.

The action-packed day gets underway at 10 a.m. with the
pancake breakfast and culminates with a choreographed fireworks display shortly
after 6 p.m. Please see below for the full schedule of events.

The Craze is presented by Fort McMurray Realtors, which
has signed on through 2015 as title partner for the event. The partnership was
originally announced at the State of the Island
gala in October.

“This figures to be the biggest and best Craze to
date,” said Tim Reid, Chief Operating Officer at MacDonaldIslandPark. “Our staff has been
working for months to deliver a free New Year’s Eve experience for families,
and with the help of Fort McMurray Realtors and our other activity partners,
we’re excited to invite the community to the Island
to ring in the New Year.”

In addition to Fort McMurray Realtors as title partner,
the event partners include (sponsored activity in parentheses):

Also at the Craze, MacDonaldIslandPark will be introducing
the K-Rock Climbing Wall with a press conference and ribbon cutting ceremony at
1:30 p.m. in the Squash, Racquetball, and Rock Climbing area, located on the
first floor of the Suncor Community Leisure Centre. More details on the K-Rock
Climbing Wall and the Craze will be released later this week at www.macdonaldisland.ca
and via Facebook
and Twitter (@MacDonaldIsland).

Monday, 19 December 2011

Belly Dance
Classes available in Fort McMurray,
Alberta. Group classes for
beginner to advance and private or semi-private lesson are available. Dancing
is a wonderful way to get active, meet other people and have fun.

New session
starting in January 2012. Make sure you
register early because spaces are limited!

Friday, 16 December 2011

Hello. I am the new project manager for Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo (formerly known as the Wood Buffalo Community Building Project). I have been seconded by Suncor Energy to work on the project full time. I’ve been with Suncor about 11 years and have spent the past 7 years in Fort McMurray doing stakeholder relations for Suncor. I’m now working on this exciting community project and I look forward to working with the community, the nonprofit organizations and community leaders. For those of you who may not have heard about this project or who have questions, I’d be happy to meet & talk about the project – my contact information is below.

Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo is a community-driven partnership between community stakeholders in Wood Buffalo, the Suncor Energy Foundation and the University of Waterloo. Our project aims to improve quality of life by building capacity in the nonprofit sector. For more information, please visit our website http://woodbuffalo.uwaterloo.ca/index.html . Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo is hosting key events in January. Below please find links to learn more about these exciting events and to register to attend. As important community stakeholders and community leaders, I hope you will join us in January to learn more about the project and to learn more about how you, your organization and others in the community can get involved.

Have your say in the development of one of the most innovative and ground-breaking community building efforts in Canada. Community Leaders in Wood Buffalo in partnership with the Waterloo Region have developed a national framework that will increase social prosperity and improve the quality of life for all. The plan identifies ways to strengthen nonprofit organizations, change systems and build skills in the people who work there. But are the strategies going to work in Wood Buffalo as well as in other communities?

January 23 - Shared Space Consultation and Visioning:http://socialprosperitysharedservices.eventbrite.com/One of the most vitally important components of a shared space initiative is the work that's done before anyone moves in together. If your organization is thinking about relocating to new shared space in Fort McMurray, you need to attend this visioning exercise. Using creative design thinking, Brock Hart will facilitate the development of a shared vision and governance model. Participants will also discuss shared services.

January 25 - Social Prosperity Summit: http://socialprosperitysummit2012.eventbrite.com/The Social Prosperity Summit addresses global issues that impact the nonprofit sector as a whole. Join community leaders and guest speakers in a facilitated discussion to address one of the biggest challenges facing nonprofits today. The day will include panel presentations focusing on the importance of investing in nonprofit capacity to increase social impact, effective corporate social responsibility models, and the role of business in supporting nonprofits.

Union/Position: CUPE Local 38/Temporary (up to two years)Compensation: Pay Grade 11 (2012 rates)$33.87- 37.26 - 39.13- 41.08 - 43.14- 45.29 per hourHours of Work: This position works a standard 35 hour work week.

Responsibilities An exciting opportunity exists for a highly motivated individual in the field of Public Art. Reporting to the Public Art Program Superintendent, this position is responsible for the development and implementation of complex Public Art plans and projects. This includes administration, coordination and evaluation of projects and all associated processes and initiatives. The Project Coordinator also provides expert consultation to external groups, organizations, and civic partners pursuing public art projects.

Responsibilities include:Coordinate and facilitate the artist selection process including the preparation of business cases and Requests for Proposals(RFP) as per Supply Management administrative policies and procedures Facilitate the development of Public Art Plans in collaboration with the commissioning stakeholders Assist in the development and implementation of guiding documents, strategic plans and administrative processes for the Public Art Program Manage Public Art plans, projects and budgets Prepare and deliver status reports and presentations, review invoices and change orders, and create purchase orders Develop and monitor outreach strategies, assist with community engagement, educational initiatives, and training opportunities Lead the review and evaluation of Public Art plans and projects.

Qualifications The successful applicant will possess a degree in Fine Arts, Public Administration or related field with a minimum of five years relevant experience that includes project management, arts administration, public relations and planning. Previous training and experience in construction management will be considered an asset.

Success in this position requires a strong technical arts background, superior relationship building skills, political sensitivity, solid management and business skills and excellent communication skills.

Notes Successful applicants must provide proof of qualifications Only education obtained from an accredited institution will be recognized as meeting the minimum qualifications.

2012 Lieutenant Governor Emerging Artist Awards The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Foundation has established a program of awards for emerging artists to support and encourage promising artists, early in their careers, while also serving to raise the profile of the arts in Alberta.The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Emerging Artist Awards are awarded every second year, beginning in 2008. Each Award consists of $10,000 and a medal. Up to ten prizes may be awarded in each awards cycle. Award recipients are selected by an application and adjudication process. Emerging Alberta Artists who meet the eligibility criteria may make application for the Award.

Wednesday, 14 December 2011

We wanted to communicate with you about an upcoming AMAZING event in Fort McMurray that is sponsored in partnership with the Certified Coaches Federation called The Speech Mastery course.

The Speech Mastery course has been expertly designed by Derrick Sweet to help anyone who ever has to make a presentation, talk, keynote speech, or facilitate in any form. In all of our roles, this happens from time to time, and for some of us, it happens all the time! This is a 2-day course happening in Fort Mac on February 11-12, 2012.

For all of you as CCF Graduates, we have a special price for registration. Up until December 31, 2011, the registration fee for CCF Grads will be $499 plus GST. The price for everyone else is $879 plus GST.

The Wood Buffalo Artists
Forum and MacDonaldIslandCommunityArtGallery
would like to invite you to an artist talk by Mia Feuer on Sunday, December 18,
2011 at 4:00 pm. at MacDonaldIslandCommunityArtGallery
(second room at the ArtGallery).

Mia Feuer is a Canadian
artist based in Washington,
D.C. With a MFA in Sculptor from
the VirginiaCommonwealthUniversity, Mia's
sculptures-installations are exhibit in ArtGalleries
and Museums around the world. Mia explores the geography, infrastructure,
borders and spaces around the world to create her monumental sculptures.
Currently, Mia is a Professor of sculpture at GeorgeMasonUniversity
and American University, Washington, D. C.

This event is an opportunity
for artists, art students and general public to explore and learn about
contemporary artists. This is a great chance to connect our community through
the Arts.

Tuesday, 13 December 2011

Calling all writers, poets, and artists. NorthWord magazine is seeking submissions for issue #7. The theme is Harmony.

Short stories or excerpts from current projects, fiction or non-fiction (3000 words maximum), verse of no more than 50 lines, along with anything surprising, original, or inventive can be submitted to the editors at northword@hushmail.com.

Arguably the most infamous mentalist of all time, with a career spanning six decades.

A master of thought-transference, Kreskin has been amazing the world with his ability to accurately predict world affairs and offer intuitive insights into the future.

You'll be astonished at what The Amazing Kreskin reveals on the Keyano Mainstage!

Friday, December 16 at 8pm

All Seats: $31

DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS SHOW AND THE INTENSE CONCENTRATION THE ARTIST REQUIRES, SMALL INFANTS OR BABIES IN ARMS CANNOT BE ALLOWED IN THE AUDIENCE.

Keyano Box Office is open Monday to Wednesday 12:30 pm to 4 pm, Thursday and Friday 12:30pm to 8pm, Saturday 11am to 4pm and an hour before a ticketed event. To purchase tickets call the box office at 780-791-4990 or buy online at www.keyano.ca/theatre

PLEASE NOTE: The King Street Bridge will be closed from now until December for construction.

Thursday, 8 December 2011

A successful graphic artist, Jim Pearson has been designing
beautiful Alberta and Saskatchewan grain elevator calendars since
2008.He delivered a presentation at the
Heritage Canada Conference in 2006 titled, Saving Traditional Wooden Elevators
in an Electronic Age and he continuously presents his work in schools, museums
and libraries.Jim has spend nearly a
decade raising awareness about Western Canada’s
disappearing grain elevators.In Alberta alone, there was
once a total of 1500 wooden grain elevators and now, there are a maximum of 285
left standing.

“Grain elevators were the sentinels of the Prairies. Wherever you went, you could always find
where you were. They were a marker,” explains
Jim.

Jim’s passion stems from his home town of Delia, Alberta. Delia lost their twin elevators in 2001; one
to a devastating fire and the other was demolished. Jim realized that these western prairie icons
were quickly disappearing.

Jim has traveled across Western Canada,
photographing and mapping as many elevators as possible, to bring attention and
awareness to them. His website, www.vanishingsentinels.ca
encourages communities to celebrate and protect these historic landmarks and
offers information and photos of his collection.

Jim would love to hear from anyone who has photos and
stories of grain elevators, especially elevators built before 1911. Please contact Jim via his website or by
phoning 403-364-3925.

Wednesday, 7 December 2011

Frank and Mary Glenfield were two of the founding members of WalterdaleTheatre Associates, then known simply as Theatre Associates. Theirinvolvement with Walterdale embraces the entire 53 year life of the company,from 1958 to 2011. Frank has the distinction of being the individual who hasdirected more plays at Walterdale than any one else, and at all three versions ofWalterdale Playhouse. He was also an actor of distinction, a past-President,Artistic Director and Board member, and a tireless and faithful volunteer for anytask that came along. Frank Glenfield died Saturday, December 3, 2011.

It is very difficult to imagine Walterdale without Frank; his generosity to newactors, directors and technical crew is very well known. His encyclopaedicknowledge of theatre and theatre people was an invaluable resource toEdmonton’s theatre community. Walterdale was founded in the hopes that itwould afford all who were interested an opportunity to be involved in theatre.Frank never failed to live up to that ideal, constantly welcoming new people to theWalterdale community, encouraging them, and invariably assisting them infinding the right part, or job, or activity for their individual talents.

It is also difficult to imagine Edmonton and Alberta’s theatre community withoutFrank. He was a director and actor in countless productions, as well as anadministrator, manager or board member, beginning in Calgary in the 1940s and,besides Walterdale, including Studio Theatre, Theatre Three, and Northern LightTheatre in Edmonton. He represented the theatre community on countless taskgroups and at numberless meetings. Frank‘s last play was as director of Emilyand Victoria, Growing Up Together at the 2011 Edmonton International FringeTheatre Festival.

The Walterdale family will miss Frank, his knowledge, and his entirely genuineand so generously shared love for all things “theatre”. To Mary, David and Jane,we offer you our heartfelt condolences, and our great gratitude in knowing thistrue gentleman of the theatre.

Funeral arrangements have been made for Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 1:00p.m. at St. George’s Anglican Church, 11733-87 Avenue.

Over their decade-plus time together, Doc Walker has earned the title of 'the hardest working Country band in Canada" the old fashioned way, through relentless perseverance - constantly honing their chops as songwriters and performers. Doc Walker has hit every little speck on the map (putting over a million miles behind them in Canada alone), in an in an effort to forge a lasting relationship with their audience.

Sunday, December 11 at 8pm

All Seats: $51All seats are sold...put yourself on the waiting list by calling 780-791-4990

Tuesday, 6 December 2011

Hi
Folks!

The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association was founded in 1905 and represents Alberta’s 277 urban municipalities including cities, towns, villages, summer villages, and specialized municipalities, as well as Associate and Affiliate members.

AUMA is a dynamic and evolving association which represents and advocates the interests of all members to both the provincial and federal governments as well as other provincial and federal organizations.

Please see links below for access to AUMA Welcoming Communities
video on Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Our localMayor's Advisory Council On Youth group (MACOY) is featured in this
video!
AUMA video link; http://wic.auma.ca/working/script/BuffaloVideo.mp4